9 ways to enjoy golf on a tight budget

As the UK discovered its first Labour Budget in 14 years, our minds – naturally – were drawn back towards golf.

Forget politics for a moment. How can golfers keep enjoying the game while tightening the purse strings at the same time?

We found nine ways players can still enjoy golf – but by saving some pennies in the process…

1. Online instruction

Ideally, amateur golfers would have access to lessons from certified instructors at the drop of a hat. The much cheaper alternative, however, is finding top quality instruction elsewhere. YouTube is now a gold mine for advice and there are plenty of other options for tips and tricks on the internet free of charge, too. Our Lessons page, for one…

• Amateur golfers to compete for $1million prize

• R&A issues new guidance that could save your golf course

2. Budget golf gear

Whether it be clubs, apparel or clothing, there is always a cheaper alternative. Brands like Benross offer affordable clubs to players who just want to play and aren’t overly concerned about spending big sums to maximise their game.

3. Second hand golf gear

The market for used goods in golf is huge. Golfers who want to buy their next set of clubs without busting the wallet can utilise specialised second-hand gear websites like Golfclubs4Cash. You can also trade your old clubs in and put the cash towards the new gear you want to buy.

4. Twilight rounds

The great thing about this one is that twilight rounds are arguably better anyway. More often than not you’ll have the course to yourself with a modest green fee – and if you’re lucky – the sun setting over the fairways. Many courses have lower rates after 3pm and the summer is the perfect time to capitalise.

5. Play nine holes

Many of us recreational golfers simply don’t have four hours to spare on a consistent basis for 18 holes of golf. Time is even more of a precious commodity in the modern age and its not surprising that more courses are moving to 12 hole layouts. So when you’re looking for your next green fee, why not just play nine? For half the price of the full 18, you hit enough shots to be satisfied and learn about your game.

• England Golf launches new campaign to support female players

• New study shows huge increase in golf’s worldwide popularity

6. Winter rates

Granted, this one is entirely weather dependent. The fees are lower for a reason as courses deal with harsh winters. But sometimes getting out on the course is much more enjoyable than a range session during the off-season and winter rates offer an affordable solution.

7. Enter a comp

The best chance of playing a top golf course at the fraction of the price is actually entering an Open Competition. Check the websites of your bucket list courses and there may just be a comp available that offers you a guaranteed tee times with a subsidised green fee.

8. Driving range deals

Always look out for deals at your local driving range. Yes, the price for a bucket of balls – like pretty much everything else – is on the rise. But plenty of facilities do happy hour deals and other special offers. Get involved.

9. Play your local muni

At a time when municipal courses are under threat across the UK, it is more important than ever to show them your support. The deal works both ways, though. While you won’t be testing yourself at an Open-standard layout, plenty of municipals are criminally underrated and are perfect places to practice your game for a bargain green fee.

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.